German minister wants facial recognition at airports, train stations

According to a report by Reuters, Germany’s Interior Minister wants facial recognition software deployed at train stations and airports in an effort to enhance security and identify terrorism suspects.

In a report published in Bild am Sonntag, Thomas de Maiziere said internet software was able to determine whether persons shown in photographs were celebrities or politicians.

“I would like to use this kind of facial recognition technology in video cameras at airports and train stations. Then, if a suspect appears and is recognized, it will show up in the system,” he told the paper.

Germany experienced two terrorism attacks in July, one on a train near Wuerzburg and one at a music festival in Ansbach.

“We will have to get used to increased security measures, such as longer queues, stricter checks or personal entry cards. This is tedious, uncomfortable and costs time but I don’t think it’s a limitation of personal freedom,” De Maiziere said.